Mr. Frank Ivan Basil Holden

Frank’s initials were F.I.B.H. which stood for: Forever I’ll Be Happy, and he certainly was. Frank lead a long and interesting life beginning in England where he spent many childhood days playing in the fields and water, hunting and fishing in the rural countryside with his siblings. At the age of eleven he began working in a motorcycle shop which eventually inspired him to join the British Royal Air Force as a young man, where he served in Britain and Africa before starting his family and immigrating to Canada in 1951.

Frank loved to travel, enjoying many trips in their motorhome across Canada and the US as well as multiple cruises through Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean with the love of his life, Sheila.

Frank loved the outdoors, and created many happy memories gardening, camping, fishing and hunting. He and Sheila loved their spot at Buffalo Lake and the cabin he built and enjoyed for over 40 years. There were numerous laughs enjoyed over a campfire, a rousing game of cards or on the beautiful deck watching the birds and animals. The many friends made during those years always held a special place in his heart and memories.

Stamp collecting was a passion for Frank, amassing an extensive collection over his 75 years as a philatelist.

Kindness was evident in Frank and he never hesitated to help a friend or neighbor or even a stranger. He had a ready smile and would listen or tell stories to anyone he touched. He was an avid volunteer with the Credit Union, Red Cross, CNIB, the Rocky Mountain Folk Club and the Bingo Barn as well as the Lafarge Social Club and the local bowling league.

In 2017, he and Sheila left the home they had cared for and loved for over 50 years and moved to the Edgemont Retirement residence where they made many new friends enjoying music, games and cards together. He was a popular guy reciting his many little sayings to anyone he met.

He dedicated his life to hard work, family and friends which is a great testament to his character and the wonderful man he was. As a doting husband, father, brother, uncle and grandpa he leaves behind a large family that will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Frank’s Life will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 2:00 pm.